Maine AG says state must play role in coal fight with Trump

J. David Ake | AP

J. David Ake | AP

In this July 27, 2018, file photo, the Dave Johnson coal-fired power plant is silhouetted against the morning sun in Glenrock, Wyo. A coalition of 22 Democratic-led states has sued the Trump administration over its decision to ease restrictions on coal-fired power plants.

The Associated Press•August 15, 2019 1:19 pm

AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine’s attorney general says it’s especially important for his state to fight an ease of restrictions on coal-fired power plants because of the vulnerability of its air and water.

Attorney General Aaron Frey says he’s joining a coalition of more than 20 states in a lawsuit against the Trump Administration over the rollback. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency eliminated the Clean Power Plan in June. Frey and other attorneys general say the move will prolong reliance on coal power plants.

Frey says such plants outside Maine pollute the state’s air and water. He also describes them as “major sources of climate change pollution,” which jeopardizes the nature resources and economy of the rural, scenic state.

The White House has defended the rule changes as protecting both the environment and jobs.